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Eastern Illinois University

EIU Dining Services

PANTHER CATERING

We offer an outstanding and extensive array of food, beverages, and services to meet the varied needs of Eastern Illinois University and local communities. Our most popular menus are shown in this guide. However, for that extra special occasion, we can develop a menu tailored specifically for you.

Catering steel containers

CATERING GUIDE

From coffee breaks, breakfasts, or business luncheons, to elegantly served receptions and dinners, we are here to serve you. Our most popular menus are shown in this guide. Please note that all orders need to be placed two weeks in advance to ensure product availability. Orders placed less than 2 weeks in advance will be subject to a late fee. 

 

BEVERAGES

Regular Coffee.......................................................................................$12.00/gal
Decaffeinated Coffee..............................................................................$12.00/gal
Hot Tea...................................................................................................$10.00/gal
Iced Tea..................................................................................................$10.00/gal
Lemonade...............................................................................................$10.00/gal
Minimum 2 Gallon Purchase
Iced Water...............................................................................................$10.00/gal

Minimum of 2 Gallon purchase for Lemonade, Citrus Punch, Fruit Punch
Hot Chocolate.........................................................................................$11.50/gal
$.50 per person for whip cream
Citrus Punch...........................................................................................$12.00/gal
Minimum 2 Gallon Purchase
Fruit Punch.............................................................................................$11.00/gal
Minimum 2 Gallon Purchase
Juice (Apple or Orange)..........................................................................$15.00/gal
Bottle Water.............................................................................................$1.50 each
Assorted Canned Soda...........................................................................$1.00/each
A 2-week notice is required for anything other than Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Root Beer
Replenishing Fee.....................................................................................$30.00 Minimum
Includes: Coffee, Iced Water, and Iced Tea

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST PACKAGES

Continental Breakfast .............................................................................$8.25 per person

  • Assorted Mini Pastries
  • Seasonal Fruit Salad
  • Orange Juice
  • Regular and Decaf Coffee
  • Iced Water

Hot Breakfast Buffet................................................................................$12.75 per person

  • Seasonal Fruit Salad
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Breakfast Meat
    • (Choose one: Bacon, Sausage, or Turkey Sausage)
  • Breakfast Potatoes
  • Apple and Orange Juice
  • Regular and Decaf Coffee
  • Iced Water

Additional Entrée ....................................................................................$2.50 per person

  • Biscuits & Gravy, Pancakes

BREAKFAST A LA CARTE

Mini Muffins ......................................................................................................$8.00/dozen

Petite Scones ....................................................................................................$9.75/dozen

Mini Bagels w/ Cream Cheese ..........................................................................$9.00/dozen

Mini Danish ......................................................................................................$10.50/dozen  

Cinnamon Rolls ..............................................................................................$12.00/dozen

Mini Strudel Bites-Apple & Cherry ...................................................................$8.50/dozen

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake ....................................................................$13.50/dozen

Seasonal Fruit Salad .................................................................................$2.75 per person

PARTY PLATTERS

Catering fruit

Domestic Cheese w/ Crackers
Small (2lbs.)...........................................................................................................$40.00
Large (4lbs.)...........................................................................................................$60.00


Fresh Fruit Display
Small (2lbs.)...........................................................................................................$45.00
Large (4lbs.)...........................................................................................................$65.00


Fresh Vegetable Display w/ Dip
Small (2lbs.)...........................................................................................................$40.00
Large (4lbs.)...........................................................................................................$60.00

CHILLED APPETIZERS

Vegetable Wraps .......................................................................................$12.00/dozen  

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ...............................................................................Market Price

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Dip ................................................................$44.00/50 count   

Garlic Hummus w/ Pita Chips ................................................................$63.00/50 count  

Fruit Kabobs ..............................................................................................$16.00/dozen  

Tea Sandwiches on Hawaiian Bread ..........................................................$16.00/dozen  

Choose from Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Chicken Salad, or Tuna Salad

Cream Cheese Torta w/ Crackers ..........................................................$62.00/50 count

WARM APPETIZERS

BBQ Meatballs ...........................................................................................$11.50/dozen  

Chicken Bites w/ BBQ & Ranch ..............................................................$53.00/50 count  

Baby Bakers w/ Butter & Sour Cream .........................................................$30.00/5 lbs.  

Mini Tacos w/ Salsa ......................................................................................$9.50/dozen  

Hot Wings ..................................................................................................$15.00/dozen  

Spinach Artichoke Dip w/ Tortilla Chips .................................................$58.00/50 count  

Queso Dip w/ Tortilla Chips ...................................................................$47.75/50 count  

Pork Egg Rolls w/ Sweet & Sour Sauce ....................................................$15.00/dozen  

Assorted Mini Quiche ................................................................................$10.50/dozen  

Toasted Cheese Ravioli w/ Marinara ..........................................................$12.00/dozen  

Vegetable Spring Rolls w/ Sweet & Sour Sauce ........................................$12.00/dozen

STATIONS

Charcuterie Station ...............................................................................$4.00 per person

Salad Station .........................................................................................$3.50 per person

Mashed Potato Bar ...............................................................................$3.00 per person

Pasta Station .........................................................................................$3.00 per person

Slider Station .........................................................................................$4.00 per person

Choice of Pulled Pork, Hamburger, Breaded Chicken

Carving Station (Limit of 2 hours) ..........................................................$4.00 per person

Choose 2 meats: Pork Tenderloin, Roast Turkey, or Beef Tenderloin  

Includes Hawaiian Rolls, Mayo, and Mustard

Dessert Station ......................................................................................$3.50 per person

FOOD COURT CATERING

QDOBA

Nacho Bar................................................................................................................$15.00

(choice of 2 meats - chicken, brisket, ground beef, steak)

  • Cilantro Rice
  • Queso
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Black Beans
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Lettuce
  • Roasted Tomato Salsa
  • Chips

CHICK-FIL-A

CFA nuggets

Nugget Tray
Small(64 Nuggets)....................................................................................................$40.50
Medium(120 Nuggets................................................................................................$67.50
Large(200 Nuggets).................................................................................................$110.00

Chick-Fil-A Sandwich................................................................................................$5.50

CFA cool wrap

Packaged Meals

Includes Entree, Waffle Potato Chips & Cookie

Regular Sandwich.....................................................................................................$9.85
Spicy Sandwich.........................................................................................................$9.95
8 ct Nugget................................................................................................................$9.95

Cool Wrap...............................................................................................................$12.85

** Soda($1.00) or Bottled Water($1.50) can be added

Beverages
Sweet Tea................................................................................................................$8.50
Lemonade..............................................................................................................$13.50

BOXED LUNCHES
ALL SANDWICHES ARE SERVED WITH A:
  • Chocolate Chunk Cookie
  • One Choice of Side
  • Canned Soda
  • Bottled Water available for an upcharge of $.50

Turkey Club....................................................................................................$11.25 each
Ciabatta Bread, Turkey, Bacon, Leaf Lettuce & Honey Mustard
Grilled Chicken Sandwich..............................................................................$11.25 each
Focaccia Bread, Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Leaf Lettuce & Ranch Dressing
Garlic Roast Beef Sandwich...........................................................................$11.25 each
Ciabatta Bun, Roast Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Leaf Lettuce, Tomato, & Garlic Mayo
Vegetarian Wrap.............................................................................................$11.25 each
Spinach Tortilla, Leaf Lettuce, Cheddar Cheese, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.........................................................................$12.25 each
Simple Sack Lunches......................................................................................$10.75 each
All your favorite box lunch sides with a choice of a croissant sandwich
Choose from Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef or Vegetarian

SIDE OPTION: Chips, Fruit Cup, or Pasta Salad
All guests receive the same side (additional side $1.00 per person)

SOUP, SALAD OR SANDWICH BUFFET

Sandwiches....................................................................................................$14.50 per person for 4 items

$1.50 per person for each additional item. Served with mustard, mayo, pickle spear, leaf lettuce, tomato and red onion. One bread, one meat and one cheese = one item.

  • Bread Options:
    • Wheat Berry, Croissant, Hoagie, Ciabatta
  • Cheese Options:
    • Swiss, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Provolone
  • Meat or Spread Options:
    • Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad

Soup: Served with Crackers

  • Chicken Noodle
  • Cream of Potato w/ Bacon
  • Broccoli Cheese
  • Vegetarian Vegetable
  • Chili

Salads

  • Broccoli Craisin
  • Caesar
  • Potato Salad
  • Fruit Salad
  • House Salad
SINGLE ENTRÉE OPTIONS

Cheese Lasagna .................................................................................$12.75 per person

A delicious blend of Italian cheeses with noodles and a robust marinara sauce. Served with Caesar Salad, Garlic Breadsticks and Seasoned Green Beans

Marinated Chicken Breast ...................................................................$12.75 per person

A boneless, skinless chicken breast, lightly seasoned and baked. Served with a vegetable blend, Au Gratin potatoes and yeast rolls

Pot Roast .............................................................................................$17.00 per person

Succulent beef roasted to perfection with traditional accompaniments of onions, carrots, and potatoes. Includes warm yeast rolls with butter

Mediterranean Chicken & Pasta ..........................................................$17.50 per person

An appealing blend of chicken, artichokes, spinach, and tomatoes tossed in a garlic herb olive oil.  Served with a Caesar Salad and garlic Bread Sticks. 

PICNIC PACKAGES

Cookout Special  ..................................................................................$14.00 per person

Includes plasticware and condiment packets of ketchup, mustard and relish

  • Hamburgers
  • Hot Dogs
  • Buns
  • Individual Bags of Chips
  • Individually Wrapped Cookies
  • Assorted Canned Soda

***Grilling on site: $75.00***

Picnic Buffet  ........................................................................................$16.50 per person

Includes plasticware

  • Choice of 2 meats      
    • Pulled Pork, Marinated Chicken, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken, Brisket(Additional $1.50)
  • Buns
  • Potato Salad
  • Baked Beans
  • Assorted Cookies
  • Bottled Water
  • Assorted Canned Soda 
MEXICAN BUFFET

Catering Taco Bar

Includes shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream and salsa

Taco Bar................................................................................................$13.25 per person

• Seasoned Ground Beef
•Tortilla Shells
•Tortilla Chips
•Refried Beans
•Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Fajita Bar..............................................................................................$15.75 per person

  • Chicken Fajita Meat
  • Steak Fajita Meat
  • Tortilla Shells
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Refried Beans
  • Spanish Rice
  • Grilled Peppers and Onions
  • Queso Dip

Mexican Buffets will not be served outside the University Union.

PASTA BUFFET

Includes Caesar Salad, Seasonal Fruit Salad, Seasoned Green Beans, Garlic Breadsticks, Iced Tea and Iced Water - $15.75 Per Person

Entrée Options: Choose Two

  • Pasta Alfredo
    *Add Grilled Chicken Strips for $1.50 per person
  • Penne Pasta w/ Sauce
  • Mediterranean Pasta
    An appealing blend of chicken, artichokes, spinach, and tomatoes tossed in a garlic herb olive oil.
    *Add Grilled Chicken Strips for $1.50 per person
  • Meat or Cheese Tortellini w/ Sauce
  • Meat or Cheese Ravioli w/ Sauce
  • Lasagna
    Choose From: Meat, Five Cheese or Vegetable
GRAND BUFFET

All Buffets Served with Caesar Salad or House Salad, Seasonal Fruit Salad, Assorted Dinner Rolls, Coffee, Iced Tea, and Iced Water.

Choose 2 Entrees & 2 Side Dishes.......................................................$22.50 Per Person
Choose 2 Entrees & 3 Side Dishes.......................................................$25.50 Per Person

Poultry
•Chicken Cordon Bleu
•Fried Chicken
•Italian Crusted Chicken
    Additional $2.00 per person
•Marinated Chicken
•Roasted Turkey Breast

Pork
•Glazed Ham
•Roasted Pork Loin

Beef
•Beef Tenderloin w/ Hollandaise Sauce
    Additional $3.00 per person
•Meat Lasagna
•Pot Roast

Vegetarian
•Baked Penne Pasta
•Cheese Lasagna
•Vegetable Lasagna

Seafood
•Glazed Salmon Filet
    Additional $2.00 per person

SERVED DINNER MENU

All meals are served and include Caesar Salad or House Salad, one entrée, two sides, Dinner Rolls, Iced Tea, and Iced Water. Additional entrées are $2.50 per person.


Beef
Beef Tenderloin w/ Hollandaise Sauce........................................................................$22.00
Meat Lasagna..............................................................................................................$14.00
Pot Roast.....................................................................................................................$17.00


Pork
Glazed Ham.................................................................................................................$13.00
Roasted Pork Loin.......................................................................................................$14.00


Seafood
Glazed Salmon Filet....................................................................................................$16.00


Poultry
Herb Baked Chicken Breast........................................................................................$13.50
Italian Crusted Chicken Breast....................................................................................$18.50
Marinated Chicken Breast...........................................................................................$13.50
Roasted Turkey Breast................................................................................................$14.50


Vegetarian
Cheese Lasagna..........................................................................................................$13.50
Pasta Primavera...........................................................................................................$12.00
Vegetarian Lasagna......................................................................................................$13.00

SALADS & SIDES

Catering salad

Salads

  • Caesar Salad  
    • Chopped romaine, croutons, parmesan cheese, red onions, and Caesar dressing.
  • House Salad  
    • Lettuce mixture with cucumber, grape tomatoes, shredded carrots and croutons. Ranch dressing and Italian dressing are available on the side.

Sides

  • Steamed Vegetable Blend
  • Seasoned Green Beans
  • Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy (Choice of Peppered or Brown Gravy)
  • Loaded Mashed Potatoes (Add $1.00 per person)
  • Parsley Baby Red Potatoes
  • Wild Rice Blend
  • Pasta Alfredo 

 

SNACK ATTACK

Pretzels ..................................................................................................$6.50 per pound

Chex Mix ...............................................................................................$8.50 per pound

Tortilla Chips & Salsa .............................................................................$9.00 per pound  

Potato Chips & Ranch Dip ....................................................................$9.00 per pound

Popcorn Machine ...............................................................$50.00 rental fee for 2 hours

Extra fee if you would like an attendant to stay at the event

Popcorn Supplies ..................................................................................$1.00 per person 

PIZZA AND SUBS

16 in. Pizza .....................................................................................................$13.50 each  

Choice of: Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage or Veggie

Make it a meal for an additional $5.00 per person Meal includes Caesar Salad, Garlic Breadsticks, Assorted Cookies and Canned Sodas

Sub Sandwich Platter ....................................................................................$9.00 per sub

Platter includes a variety of turkey, ham, roast beef and vegetarian. Each sub is cut into 3 four-inch sandwiches.

 

DESSERTS

Catering dessert

Cakes and cupcakes may be brought in from a licensed bakery. The customer is responsible for all plates, forks, serving utensils for items brought in. Catering can provide these for an additional charge of $1.50 per person. Cake cutting charge will be $40.

Per Dozen
Assorted Cookies........................................................................................................$11.50/dozen
Rice Krispie Squares.....................................................................................................$9.00/dozen
Iced Brownies w/ Toppings..........................................................................................$15.75/dozen
Ghiradelli Brownies.....................................................................................................$13.00/dozen
Mini Cheesecakes.......................................................................................................$15.00/dozen


Per Piece
Assorted Fruit Pies......................................................................................................$3.00
Assorted Fruit Cobblers..............................................................................................$3.00
New York Cheesecake...............................................................................................$4.00
Assorted Cheesecake................................................................................................$4.00
Cheesecake Martinis..................................................................................................$4.00
Full Slice Layer Cake.................................................................................................$5.00
Half Slice Layer Cake (choice of chocolate, strawberry or lemon) ............................$3.00


Ice Cream Options
Pemberton Sundaes..................................................................................................$4.50
Individual Cups..........................................................................................................$1.50
  Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Orange Sherbet


Ice Cream Bar..........................................................................................................$10.50
Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream w/ Assorted Toppings
Iced Water and Lemonade

 

 

Updated 09/025/2025

ORDER PANTHER CATERING

WEDDINGS

We can provide you with all your culinary desires for your special day. Let us be your one-stop connection for your Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Party Breakfast, Wedding Reception, and Post-Wedding Brunch.

WEDDING INQUIRY

For additional inquiries please contact:

Karla Drum 217-581-5326
kkdrum@eiu.edu

Catering Office 217-581-6082

 

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